Most politicians' blogs re-hash party literature and press releases. Not Green Ladywell - it's a mix of local news, a personal political diary, debate and campaigning. It has real personality and it's a genuinely useful community resource.

Green Ladywell should be the template for every other local politician to follow. Sue Luxton and Ute Michel's genuine commitment to the area and their hard work are clear to see, the posts are regular and informative and she is prepared to take and respond to criticism. You wouldn't know it was a party-political site if it wasn't for the fact that many of the posts shine a light on the workings of local Council politics.

Sue also gets stuck in to other local blogs (like mine) in order to reach a wider audience.

Lots of politicians talk about using the internet to engage with people - but few do it as well as Sue and Ute.

Nominated by Nick Barron, 24 May 2008

Agree with Nick. Sue and Ute's blog shows them to be hard-working councillors, dedicated to representing and supporting their constituents. It's unusual to see councillors so open and transparent. It's a shame representatives from other parties do not copy them.

Noel Lynch

Submitted by Noel Lynch, 31 May 2008

The postings on this blog are simultaneously helpful, informative and entertaining. Sue and Ute are not afraid to speak their mind and to respond to whatever people throw at them. This is political blogging at its best - good honest spin-free dialogue making the most of blog technology.

Submitted by Martha Kendrick, 31 May 2008

Noel Lynch is a completely politically uninterested contributor, I take it?

Submitted by Arnold Batballs, 05 June 2008

It's not just making good use of blogging that makes a good councillor - look at the performance of Gavin Barwell in Croydon (Coulsdon East) - a great guy!

Submitted by Richard, 05 July 2008